This unique Queen Anne style playhouse was built in 1885 for five year old Lucy J. Haskell, daughter of Dr. William A. and Florence Hayner Haskell. It is believed Lucy's grandfather, John E. Hayner, commissioned prominent local architect, Lucas J. Pfeiffenberger, to design the playhouse. In 1889, at age nine, Lucy died of diphtheria. The playhouse has been retained in memory of Lucy J. Haskell.
Read moreAlton Museum of History and Art
The Alton Museum of History and Art is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the rich heritage of Alton’s past through a variety exhibits. including Robert Pershing Wadlow, the tallest man on record, the Pioneer Room, and local legend of the Piasa Bird. The Grace Monroe Classroom is used as an art gallery where fine art of diverse media by local and regional artists is on display.
Read moreWood River Museum & Visitors Center
Established in 1997 by the Wood River Heritage Council, the Wood River Museum & Visitor’s Center allows visitors to explore the town’s varied past. Exhibits in the museum highlight the early days of the town including the impact of Standard Oil on the community, the wild days of Benbow City, and life during the various eras of the town.
Read moreThe National Great Rivers Museum
The National Great Rivers Museum, opened in October of 2003, is one of eleven planned regional visitor centers operated by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Museum features state of the art interactive displays and exhibits that help visitors understand the many aspects of the Mississippi River and how it affects our lives.
Read moreLewis and Clark Confluence Tower
The Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower was built in commemoration of the historic 1804 to 1806 expedition by Lewis and Clark. The 180-foot tower has three viewing platforms at 50, 100, and 150 feet connecting the two towers with panoramic views of the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers and the St. Louis skyline.
Read moreCamp DuBois
In commemoration of the Bicentennial of the departure of the Corps of Discovery, the Wood River Heritage Council has constructed a replica of the camp near where the original Camp DuBois was located. Members of the Discovery Expedition of St. Charles quartered at Camp Dubois until their scheduled departure from St. Charles on May 23, 2004.
Read moreBethalto Historical Museum
The Bethalto Historical Museum is housed in the former Village Hall. This building was erected around 1873 and enlarged in 1885. Long the center of community activity it once housed the police, fire and water departments and later the public library. The city’s tiny one room jail can still be seen today. The Museum contains exhibits on Bethalto’s past including the role of its citizens in World Wars I and II. Other exhibits include the founding of the town, the annual Homecoming Celebration, and a recreated classroom from the past.
Read moreCamp River Dubois
Located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, just several miles south of the current mouth of the Wood River is Camp River Dubois. This site is designated as Site #1 on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and features the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center and a replica of the 1803-04 winter encampment.
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